Helioseismology

Helioseismology studies the waves that travel through the Sun. The waves (vibrations) are increased by the temperature of the Sun and the deep motions inside the Sun.

Scientists can measure these waves at the Sun's surface. Since the waves are made deep inside the Sun, scientists use these waves to understand the Sun's inside. That is why helioseismology is called a diagnostic.

We can see these waves in other stars too.

60 foot tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory where helioseismology work began in the 1960's
Click on image for full size (26K JPEG)
Image courtesy of of University of Southern California, 60 Foot Solar Tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory.

A computer-generated image of a wave moving through the interior of the Sun.

Sounds of the Stars

The Sounds of the Sun brought to you by the BiSON network...

Helioseismology

Helioseismology studies the wave oscillations in the Sun. This is like the study of seismic waves on Earth.

These waves are affected by the temperature of the Sun and the deep motions inside the Sun.

Scientists observe these waves at the Sun's surface. Since the waves are created deep inside the Sun, scientists use these waves to understand the Sun's interior. That is why helioseismology is called a diagnostic.

We can see similar waves in other stars too.

60 foot tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory where helioseismology work began in the 1960's
Click on image for full size (26K JPEG)
Image courtesy of University of Southern California, 60 Foot Solar Tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory.

A computer-generated image of a wave moving through the interior of the Sun.

Sounds of the Stars

The Sounds of the Sun brought to you by the BiSON network...

Helioseismology

Helioseismology studies the wave oscillations in the Sun, similar to the study of seismic waves on Earth. These (acoustic) waves are affected by the physical conditions (density and temperature) and deep turbulent motions inside the Sun.

The Sun acts like a resonant cavity with standing wave structures. These wave motions can be observed at the solar surface. Scientists study the observed wave patterns at the surface in order to understand the Sun's interior.

We can see similar waves in other stars, allowing us to learn about their interiors too.

60 foot solar tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory where pionering work on helioseismology was started in the early 1960's
Click on image for full size (26K JPEG)
Image courtesy ofUniversity of Southern California, 60 Foot Solar Tower at Mt. Wilson Observatory.

A computer-generated image of an acoustic wave resonating in the interior of the Sun.

Sounds of the Stars

The Sounds of the Sun brought to you by the BiSON network...

Last modified December 22, 2004 by Travis Metcalfe.
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